Facial nerve paralysis

Description The facial nerve (a...

Description

The facial nerve (also called the 7th cranial nerve) carries information from the brain to the muscles in the face. When this nerve is damaged a patient experiences a facial droop, or weakness of the facial muscles on one side of the face. The most common causes of facial nerve paralysis are Bell's palsy, infection, trauma, and cancer. A stroke (cerebrovascular accident, CVA) also causes a facial droop but in this case the nerve itself is normal and the problem is the brain not sending the correct signals. Other diseases of the brain can cause a facial droop similar to a stroke and these include brain tumors, injury to the brain from trauma or surgery, and infections of the brain.

Symptoms

Sagging of the facial muscles on one side of the face. Also called a facial droop. When the problem is from the facial nerve the weakness is seen in both the upper and lower face. If the disorder is arising from the brain many times only the lower part of the face is involved.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. A CT scan and/or MRI is performed unless the problem is felt to be Bell's palsy since this diagnosis is usually made without any imaging studies.

Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology), Otology and Neurotology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the facial nerve paralysis.